I like H/D's FD very much, it should polish up really nicely for them. From purely a dance perspective, The arm movements are authentic ( Madison has lovely fluid wrist movements ) They just need a bit more strength and tension in the arms in some places. I noticed quite a few typically rumba flamenca accents. If they can get the timing just right ,especially in that last accent-y section..it will be exciting. Love their strength lift... and the lift with her riding on his boot with forward extension is still the best this year , though you see versions of it cropping up all over the place. I'm looking forward to seeing this at Skate Canada after another few weeks of honing.

I agree Colleen - this is a solid program for H/D. Not terribly original but the flamenco theme has been respected.

Wishonastar - this is a solid program for a second year team and if they get their levels in both the SD and FD - it shall make for an interesting nationals that for sure. No doubt the music choice is interesting and V/M nailed that OD during the Olympics and Worlds in 2010 - but I think it that H/D will grow from the process. Hmmm maybe a should try to make the trip to Boston this year, LOL...

Wishonastar - this is a solid program for a second year team and if they get their levels in both the SD and FD - it shall make for an interesting nationals that for sure. No doubt the music choice is interesting and V/M nailed that OD during the Olympics and Worlds in 2010 - but I think it that H/D will grow from the process. Hmmm maybe a should try to make the trip to Boston this year, LOL...

I think instead you should head to Omaha!! That's where 2013 Nationals are!!! But will meet up in 2014 in Boston if you'd like!!

Right now ice dancing it is at an all time high. Great teams even with Belbin and Agosto's retirement. The battle for the US team will be fierce after Davis and whtie and assuming the shibutanis regroup then who will be no. 3. Tough decision. No wonder Giles went to Canada (I do wonder if the Gilles family has a lot of money? It seems like financially blessed skaters are often known to go to other countries to try to get on the national team. I know there was a singles skater just a few years ago from the US who went to Germany (lady) and her family was supposed to be very well off. It costs a lot to move/train overseas obviously.

Right now ice dancing it is at an all time high. Great teams even with Belbin and Agosto's retirement. The battle for the US team will be fierce after Davis and whtie and assuming the shibutanis regroup then who will be no. 3. Tough decision. No wonder Giles went to Canada (I do wonder if the Gilles family has a lot of money? It seems like financially blessed skaters are often known to go to other countries to try to get on the national team. I know there was a singles skater just a few years ago from the US who went to Germany (lady) and her family was supposed to be very well off. It costs a lot to move/train overseas obviously.

In ice dance, sometimes is extremely hard to find a new parner. See Vanessa Crone for example. It could actually lead to retiement, if you are left without a suitable dance mate. You may give it a shot, like Emily Samuelson did, but if is not working out, she might call it a career.
Therefore I am not blaming any of the skaters who will go in another country or even overseas, because you never know. It might lead to success like Marina Annisina or right now, Kaitlyn Weaver'case.

Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue's situation is really an exception, when both of them seem to be doing a lot better instantly than previously and they were in the same country.

I just would like to mention regarding H/D SD music something which some people might not be aware of:

The opening waltz, listed as "Titanic soundtrack" is not exactly composed by E. Horner, the "Titanic's" composer.
It is one of the best known viennese waltzes, from Franz Lehar's operetta "The Merry Widow"

Wasn't or isn't there a Russian ice dancer female who is quite good but never found a partner - I think she won a bronze medal with her then partner (I think he retired due to injury) in like 2008 Jana K. She skated with a Canadian model I think who is the son maybe of Zueva? GAP model - Fedorov, Andre something. I am sorry I don't really remember but she was quite good and it was sad she never found anyone to skate with.
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Maia Shibutani was selected a recipient of the Womens Sport Foundation' travel and training grant program for 2012.

Maia Shibutani, Ann Arbor, MI, Figure Skating

Maia Shibutani is a figure skater from Michigan. She won the Professional Skaters Association (PSA)’s "Edi Award" for Ice Dance (2011) and was the first U.S. ice dancer to medal during her debut appearance at the World Figure Skating Championships since 1958. The Travel &Training funds will be used to support the costs of training with a specialist in Japanese traditional dance in support of her choreography for the primary competitive program.